That would be a canonical matter

[katstevens.livejournal.com]

No canon today as my list is at work and I am not - instead, a question:

Is there an artist or group that suddenly springs to mind when you think of 'pop'? What about 'indie'? Or 'emo'? Do you think there can be 'defining songs' for a genre?

In other words - are there canonical artists/songs in pop? How changeable are they over time?

Comments

[jeff-worrell.livejournal.com]

Do you think there can be 'defining songs' for a genre?
Yes, but only narrowly defined ones that both listeners and performers grow out of quickly. Merseybeat, 'punk rock', Madchester might all be examples.